West Ham need Said Benrahma to come good as search for £30million form continues

As West Ham search for a spark to reignite their push for European places, time is running out for Said Benrahma to make his mark at the London Stadium.

Much excitement greeted the Algerian's arrival at West Ham from Brentford in a £30million deal almost two years ago, but the 26-year-old has struggled to live up to that fee, only performing in fits and starts under David Moyes.

The West Ham manager has been very public in calling for Benrahma to improve since, demanding more consistency and team efforts as opposed to flicks and tricks.

There was a flare point in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle as Moyes erupted at Benrahma as he trudged off slowly after being substituted in the 73rd minute, the 17th time he has been hooked this season.

“I want Said to be a team player, which he is,” Moyes said afterwards.

“I want him to make and create goals and score goals and understand when to pass and dribble and keep it. So they are the key things for Said.”

Benrahma has five goals and four assists in the Premier League this season but has managed just two goals in his last 17 West Ham appearances.

There is always a sense of the unexpected when the former Brentford winger gets on the ball. A terrific solo goal against Genk in the Europa League earlier this season showed what he is capable of, but too often his attempts to dazzle come to nothing.

Benrahma is nothing if not confident, but he must become more efficient. He has a higher rate of shots per 90 minutes than any other West Ham regular, but scores an average of 0.1 goals per shot, the lowest of any attacking player at the club. Defender Craig Dawson has a higher average.

Benrahma has scored against Manchester United this season but his other goals have come against